New research identifying type-A proanthocyanidins (PACs) from cranberry juice in human urine could help to take future clinical trials to the next level, say researchers.

The suggested health benefits of cranberries and cranberry juice are widely reported– especially when it comes to urinary tract infections. But, so far the data from large scale clinical trials has failed to demonstrate and of these suggested benefits.

However, that could be about to change thanks to research led by Professor Jeffery Blumberg of Tufts University, USA. Speaking exclusively with NutraIngredients, Blumberg explained that research conducted by his team of researchers is the first to demonstrate the presence of type-A PACs in human urine.

The identification of type-A PACs in urine not only supports the notion that they are a key bioactive compound in the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs), but also means that future studies could use tests for the unique compound as a way of monitoring compliance – something that has been a major problem in previous clinical trials.

Blumberg said whilst his study – which was supported by Ocean Spray – is only a proof-of-principle, the findings could lead to better designed large scale clinical trials in the future.

“This new evidence provides another step toward supporting the findings of past in vitro studies investigating the anti-adhesion mechanism of cranberry PACs, demonstrating how the high polyphenol content of cranberry juice may help maintain urinary tract health,” said Blumberg.

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